SETONHALLA home for the mind, the heart and the spirit Summer 2015

MedicalBreakthroughSeton Hall and Hackensack Launch Plansfor New Jerseys Only Private Medical School

W O M E N S B A S K E T B A L L E A R N S N C A A T O U R N A M E N T S P O T F O R F I R S T T I M E I N 2 0 Y E A R S

1 FC, IFC TOC summer6_16_Layout 1 6/16/15 9:49 AM Page 1

SETONHALLSummer 2015 Vol. 25 Issue 3

Seton Hallmagazine is published bythe Department of Public Relationsand Marketing in the Division of University Advancement.

President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.

Vice President for University Advancement David J. Bohan, M.B.A.

Associate Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing Dan Kalmanson, M.A.

Director of Publications/University EditorPegeen Hopkins, M.S.J.

Art Director Elyse M. Carter

Design and ProductionLinda Campos Eisenberg

PhotographerMilan Stanic 11

Copy EditorKim de Bourbon

Assistant EditorWilliam F. Golba

News & Notes Editors Dan Nugent 03/M.P.A. 10Robert X. Mayers 10/M.B.A. 12Daniella Gloor 14

Contributing HALLmarks WritersWilliam F. GolbaMargaret McCorry, M.A.E. 07Laurie Pine, M.A. 98

Send your comments and suggestionsby mail to: Seton Hall magazine, Department of Public Relations and Marketing, 519 South OrangeAvenue, South Orange, NJ 07079; by email to SHUwriter@shu.edu; or by phone at 973-378-9834.

On the cover: University President A.Gabriel Esteban (left) and Robert C.Garrett, president and CEO of Hacken-sack University Health Network, reviewplans for a new medical school.Photo by Michael Paras

Facing page: Photo by Milan Stanic 11

www.shu.edu

In this issue

Medical BreakthroughSeton Hall and Hackensack University Health Network launch plans to create New Jerseys only private medical school.

Guided by the Rule of Saint BenedictThe success of Father Edwin Leahy 68 inrunning Saint Benedicts Prep in Newarkhas generated national attention and inspired a new documentary.

features

From Presidents Hall HALLmarks Possibilities

Representing the U.S. at the G(irls)20 summit gave Cynthia Sularz the spark she needed to follow her passion.

Roaming the Hall Young homeless mothers learn critical lessons in prenatal and infant care through a texting program.

ProfileShannon Morris 92/M.A. 94 runs New Jerseys top ad agency with an emphasis on fostering creativity and balance.

Profile Laquan Ford 13 needed a helping hand.Nick Scalera 63 was there to offer it.

Sports at the Hall Alumni News & Notes Last Word

departments

SETONHALLSummer 2015 Vol. 25 Issue 3

Seton Hallmagazine is published bythe Department of Public Relationsand Marketing in the Division of University Advancement.

President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.

Vice President for University Advancement David J. Bohan, M.B.A.

Associate Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing Dan Kalmanson, M.A.

Director of Publications/University EditorPegeen Hopkins, M.S.J.

Art Director Elyse M. Carter

Design and ProductionLinda Campos Eisenberg

PhotographerMilan Stanic 11

Copy EditorKim de Bourbon

Assistant EditorWilliam F. Golba

News & Notes Editors Dan Nugent 03/M.P.A. 10Robert X. Mayers 10/M.B.A. 12Daniella Gloor 14

Contributing HALLmarks WritersWilliam F. GolbaMargaret McCorry, M.A.E. 07Laurie Pine, M.A. 98

Send your comments and suggestionsby mail to: Seton Hall magazine, Department of Public Relations and Marketing, 519 South OrangeAvenue, South Orange, NJ 07079; by email to SHUwriter@shu.edu; or by phone at 973-378-9834.

On the cover: University President A.Gabriel Esteban (left) and Robert C.Garrett, president and CEO of Hacken-sack University Health Network, reviewplans for a new medical school.Photo by Michael Paras

Facing page: Photo by Milan Stanic 11

www.shu.edu

In this issue

Medical BreakthroughSeton Hall and Hackensack University Health Network launch plans to create New Jerseys only private medical school.

Guided by the Rule of Saint BenedictThe success of Father Edwin Leahy 68 inrunning Saint Benedicts Prep in Newarkhas generated national attention and inspired a new documentary.

features

From Presidents Hall HALLmarks Possibilities

Representing the U.S. at the G(irls)20 summit gave Cynthia Sularz the spark she needed to follow her passion.

Roaming the Hall Young homeless mothers learn critical lessons in prenatal and infant care through a texting program.

ProfileShannon Morris 92/M.A. 94 runs New Jerseys top ad agency with an emphasis on fostering creativity and balance.

Profile Laquan Ford 13 needed a helping hand.Nick Scalera 63 was there to offer it.

Sports at the Hall Alumni News & Notes Last Word

departments

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

32

FROM PRESIDENTS HALL | A . G A B R I E L E S T E B A N , P H . D .

In the months since the announcement, reactions

from the University community, state business

leaders and the higher education spectrum have

been overwhelmingly positive. I was particularly

pleased that so many of you contacted me directly

to express your congratulations and encouragement.

Medical schools are the purview of leading

higher education institutions exactly the type of

institution we know Seton Hall to be. We seek deeper

involvement in the world of health care as part

of our mission to improve the human condition and

cultivate the next generation of servant leaders.

I know that Seton Halls school of medicine will

further that mission in profound and exciting ways.

Shortly after the medical school announcement

made headlines, the University marked the 15th

anniversary of the Boland Hall dormitory fire that

took the lives of students Frank Caltabilota Jr., John

Giunta and Aaron Karol. About 120 people, including

several survivors and their families, attended a

Mass offered by Father Gerald J. Buonopane and

other members of the campus priest community. The

memorial featured a homily by Monsignor Anthony

Ziccardi that was both moving and rich with insight.

Monsignor Ziccardi reminded the gathering that

just as the innocent suffering and death of Jesus

was not in vain for Him or for us, so the suffering

and death of the fire victims though it never

should have happened will not be in vain for

them. They will rise to eternal life.

Monsignor Ziccardi also said, No one should

do evil, and no one should have to suffer evil. But

as long as evil exists, it is better to be the recipient

of evil than to do evil.

After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony at the

Remember Memorial demonstrated that the victims

and survivors will always be a part of the University

family and will never be forgotten.

These events showed Seton Hall at its best

committing itself to a bold vision for the future while

not forgetting that its success is rooted in the time-

honored bonds of community. Truly, Seton Hall is

among the few colleges or universities that can enact

transformative goals without sacrificing the feeling

of family that has always been part of its essence.

Grounded in our Catholic spirituality and with

your support and your prayers, the University will

retain the best of what has always made it great,

as it strides ever more confidently toward a future

that grows brighter each day.

Seton Hall at ItsBest

We seek deeper involvement in the world of health care as part ofour mission to improve the human

condition and cultivate the nextgeneration of servant leaders.

On Friday, June 5, Hackensack University Health Network (HackensackUHN) and Seton Hall University signed a definitive agreement to form anew, four-year school of medicine. (Standing, from left) Patrick Murray, chair of Seton Halls Board of Regents and Joseph Simunovich, chair ofHackensackUHNs Board of Trustees. (Seated, from left) A. Gabriel Esteban, president of Seton Hall University, and Robert Garrett, presidentand chief executive officer of HackensackUHN. Photo by Michael Paras

Early in 2015, Seton Hall and Hackensack University Health Network announced a memorandum of understanding to establish a school of medicine.

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

32

FROM PRESIDENTS HALL | A . G A B R I E L E S T E B A N , P H . D .

In the months since the announcement, reactions

from the University community, state business

leaders and the higher education spectrum have

been overwhelmingly positive. I was particularly

pleased that so many of you contacted me directly

to express your congratulations and encouragement.

Medical schools are the purview of leading

higher education institutions exactly the type of

institution we know Seton Hall to be. We seek deeper

involvement in the world of health care as part

of our mission to improve the human condition and

cultivate the next generation of servant leaders.

I know that Seton Halls school of medicine will

further that mission in profound and exciting ways.

Shortly after the medical school announcement

made headlines, the University marked the 15th

anniversary of the Boland Hall dormitory fire that

took the lives of students Frank Caltabilota Jr., John

Giunta and Aaron Karol. About 120 people, including

several survivors and their families, attended a

Mass offered by Father Gerald J. Buonopane and

other members of the campus priest community. The

memorial featured a homily by Monsignor Anthony

Ziccardi that was both moving and rich with insight.

Monsignor Ziccardi reminded the gathering that

just as the innocent suffering and death of Jesus

was not in vain for Him or for us, so the suffering

and death of the fire victims though it never

should have happened will not be in vain for

them. They will rise to eternal life.

Monsignor Ziccardi also said, No one should

do evil, and no one should have to suffer evil. But

as long as evil exists, it is better to be the recipient

of evil than to do evil.

After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony at the

Remember Memorial demonstrated that the victims

and survivors will always be a part of the University

family and will never be forgotten.

These events showed Seton Hall at its best

committing itself to a bold vision for the future while

not forgetting that its success is rooted in the time-

honored bonds of community. Truly, Seton Hall is

among the few colleges or universities that can enact

transformative goals without sacrificing the feeling

of family that has always been part of its essence.

Grounded in our Catholic spirituality and with

your support and your prayers, the University will

retain the best of what has always made it great,

as it strides ever more confidently toward a future

that grows brighter each day.

Seton Hall at ItsBest

We seek deeper involvement in the world of health care as part ofour mission to improve the human

condition and cultivate the nextgeneration of servant leaders.

On Friday, June 5, Hackensack University Health Network (HackensackUHN) and Seton Hall University signed a definitive agreement to form anew, four-year school of medicine. (Standing, from left) Patrick Murray, chair of Seton Halls Board of Regents and Joseph Simunovich, chair ofHackensackUHNs Board of Trustees. (Seated, from left) A. Gabriel Esteban, president of Seton Hall University, and Robert Garrett, presidentand chief executive officer of HackensackUHN. Photo by Michael Paras

Early in 2015, Seton Hall and Hackensack University Health Network announced a memorandum of understanding to establish a school of medicine.

HALLMARKS

The walls of Seton Halls new academic building (formerlyStafford Hall) will showcase the creative talents of the University community.After construction was completed last fall, the Office of the

Dean of Students launched its first Art in the Hall contest, open to students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, with a theme of servant leadership. More than 50 pieces were submit-ted, including watercolors, oil paintings, photos, pencil drawingsand sculpture.

The contests selection committee consisting of students,faculty, staff, a member of the priest community and a member of the Board of Regents chose Daniel Folta (at left), a freshmanhonors student majoring in Asian studies, as the winning artist for his painting, Troy.

Judit Papp 14 won second place for her photo, Dakota Pirate.Honorable mentions were awarded to Elyse Carter, Kenneth Hoffman,Angela Martone, Amanda Reid, Karam Tannous and Milena Walczyna.

The artwork will be displayed through December 2015.

ART in the HALL

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute marks its 10th anniversary in 2015 and has planned a yearlong series of events to celebrate.Since 2005, Joseph and Carmen Ana Unanue have

contributed more than $4 million to Seton Hall with

a desire to help Latino students gain access to higher

education and, upon

graduation, become

leaders in their fields.

The institute and the

Unanues scholarship

program have worked to

promote understanding

and appreciation of the

Latino culture and its people while providing financial

assistance through three competitive scholarships

to more than 130 Seton Hall students interested in

Hispanic tradition and culture.

The institutes mission is to inspire, educate and

transform students into the next generation of servant

leaders in an ever-changing global society.

I am delighted to see that in 10 years so much has

been accomplished and so many students have been

transformed by the institute, says Carmen Ana Unanue

(at left). My late husband, Joseph, would be very proud.

I believe our best opportunities lie ahead, says

Denisse Oller, the institutes executive director, citing

scholarly work involving Latinos and Latin America.

In March, Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria and Quar-

teto Ach gave a public concert and lecture as part of a

Masters of Afro-Cuban Jazz and Beyond program, and

an in-depth discussion on The U.S., Cuba and the Vati-

can was held for the University community.

Cardinal Sean Patrick OMalley, the archbishop of

Boston, visited the University on April 22 to speak

about Pope Francis and the Hispanic Presence in the

Church. (In 2013, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal

OMalley to an advisory board to help him govern the

Catholic Church and reform its central administration.)

Celebrations will conclude with the institutes annual

gala and fundraiser, which will be held on Oct. 21 at

the New York Athletic Club.

Unanue Institute Celebrates 10 Years

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

5

Photo of Daniel Folta by Milan Stanic 11; photo of M

rs. Unanue by M

ichael Paras hristine Byrne never imagined that her career path

would lead to singing opera professionally while still

in college. But thats where the musical theater major

from Valley College, N.Y., found herself last fall.

The college senior was cast to play the slightly devious

page a traditional first role for opera singers in the

MidAtlantic Opera Companys production of Rigoletto.

The experience gave Byrne what she needed most

a glimpse at the professional life she dreams of pursuing.

I received some very helpful advice on what its really

like to be a crossover singer who performs both opera and

musical theater, she says. I wasnt sure it was even pos-

sible to do that. But I learned that with persistence, hard

work and an ability to overcome failure, it can be done.

Byrne has performed in a variety of Seton Hall

productions, from the operatic Dido and Aeneas to

theater classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and

Twelfth Night, and she took on a directorial role with

a run of A Christmas Carol. In 2014, she received a

coveted invitation to perform in The Kennedy Centers

college theatrical competition.

Byrne is keeping her options open after graduation,

applying to masters programs in London and the United

States in drama, musical theater and opera. Working

in the performing arts means you have to be smart,

she says. The most important thing you need is a plan.

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

| L I N D A K A R T E N , M . A . 1 1 Christine Byrne (center) performing in Dido and Aeneas. Photo by Rich Kowalski

All the Worlds aAll the Worlds a

4

HALLMARKS

The walls of Seton Halls new academic building (formerlyStafford Hall) will showcase the creative talents of the University community.After construction was completed last fall, the Office of the

Dean of Students launched its first Art in the Hall contest, open to students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, with a theme of servant leadership. More than 50 pieces were submit-ted, including watercolors, oil paintings, photos, pencil drawingsand sculpture.

The contests selection committee consisting of students,faculty, staff, a member of the priest community and a member of the Board of Regents chose Daniel Folta (at left), a freshmanhonors student majoring in Asian studies, as the winning artist for his painting, Troy.

Judit Papp 14 won second place for her photo, Dakota Pirate.Honorable mentions were awarded to Elyse Carter, Kenneth Hoffman,Angela Martone, Amanda Reid, Karam Tannous and Milena Walczyna.

The artwork will be displayed through December 2015.

ART in the HALL

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute marks its 10th anniversary in 2015 and has planned a yearlong series of events to celebrate.Since 2005, Joseph and Carmen Ana Unanue have

contributed more than $4 million to Seton Hall with

a desire to help Latino students gain access to higher

education and, upon

graduation, become

leaders in their fields.

The institute and the

Unanues scholarship

program have worked to

promote understanding

and appreciation of the

Latino culture and its people while providing financial

assistance through three competitive scholarships

to more than 130 Seton Hall students interested in

Hispanic tradition and culture.

The institutes mission is to inspire, educate and

transform students into the next generation of servant

leaders in an ever-changing global society.

I am delighted to see that in 10 years so much has

been accomplished and so many students have been

transformed by the institute, says Carmen Ana Unanue

(at left). My late husband, Joseph, would be very proud.

I believe our best opportunities lie ahead, says

Denisse Oller, the institutes executive director, citing

scholarly work involving Latinos and Latin America.

In March, Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria and Quar-

teto Ach gave a public concert and lecture as part of a

Masters of Afro-Cuban Jazz and Beyond program, and

an in-depth discussion on The U.S., Cuba and the Vati-

can was held for the University community.

Cardinal Sean Patrick OMalley, the archbishop of

Boston, visited the University on April 22 to speak

about Pope Francis and the Hispanic Presence in the

Church. (In 2013, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal

OMalley to an advisory board to help him govern the

Catholic Church and reform its central administration.)

Celebrations will conclude with the institutes annual

gala and fundraiser, which will be held on Oct. 21 at

the New York Athletic Club.

Unanue Institute Celebrates 10 Years

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

5

Photo of Daniel Folta by Milan Stanic 11; photo of M

rs. Unanue by M

ichael Paras hristine Byrne never imagined that her career path

would lead to singing opera professionally while still

in college. But thats where the musical theater major

from Valley College, N.Y., found herself last fall.

The college senior was cast to play the slightly devious

page a traditional first role for opera singers in the

MidAtlantic Opera Companys production of Rigoletto.

The experience gave Byrne what she needed most

a glimpse at the professional life she dreams of pursuing.

I received some very helpful advice on what its really

like to be a crossover singer who performs both opera and

musical theater, she says. I wasnt sure it was even pos-

sible to do that. But I learned that with persistence, hard

work and an ability to overcome failure, it can be done.

Byrne has performed in a variety of Seton Hall

productions, from the operatic Dido and Aeneas to

theater classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and

Twelfth Night, and she took on a directorial role with

a run of A Christmas Carol. In 2014, she received a

coveted invitation to perform in The Kennedy Centers

college theatrical competition.

Byrne is keeping her options open after graduation,

applying to masters programs in London and the United

States in drama, musical theater and opera. Working

in the performing arts means you have to be smart,

she says. The most important thing you need is a plan.

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

| L I N D A K A R T E N , M . A . 1 1 Christine Byrne (center) performing in Dido and Aeneas. Photo by Rich Kowalski

All the Worlds aAll the Worlds a

4

7S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

7

Savior in the Skies

On a flight home from Rome last August, nursing student StefanieDeSimone found herself confronted with some unexpected, high-stakes clinical practice. About three hours into the nine-hour flight,a man who was walking to the lavatory suddenly collapsed. DeSimone,

seated nearby, sprang into action.

His face was very white, said DeSimone. I checked for a pulse and

there was none. She called for flight attendants in both English and

Italian to bring blankets, pillows and a defibrillator. Then DeSimone

and her cousin, an occupational therapist traveling with her, began CPR.

After the patient regained a pulse, only to lose it again, the team, which

included other healthcare professionals who had come to help, finally

managed to stabilize him.

It was clear from the beginning that DeSimone was in charge of the

scene. In fact, it was DeSimone the captain consulted with when deciding

to make an emergency landing at a military airstrip in the Azores, islands

off the coast of Portugal.

DeSimone, who wants to work in an intensive care unit after graduating,

credits her training at Seton Hall with having the knowledge and confidence

to save the mans life.

You really need to assess the situation. Professor [Patricia] Pappas,

one of my nursing instructors, was in my head the whole time, she said.

I could hear her asking me, just as she did in class and during clinical

rotations: OK, what are you going to do now? OK, the patient passed out,

what do you do first?

One of the others who was helping her that day turned out to be a

Seton Hall nursing alumna, Marie Truglio-Londrigan, M.S.N. 81. When the

two finally had a chance to speak, DeSimone asked why her fellow Pirate

hadnt stepped in and taken over. You did a fabulous job, Truglio-Londrigan

told her. You were doing everything right! You will be a great nurse.

Faculty Research

8.75 millionGrant dollars received (201314)

106Faculty experts who appeared in the media

(201314)

30Faculty books published (201314)

29Nations where faculty presented their research

(201314)

4Faculty Fulbright Awards (201314)

3Faculty patents filed (2014)

57Faculty articles in the highly selective

ScienceDirect database (2014)

12Seton Halls rank among Catholic national universities

in ScienceDirect (2014)

BY THE NUMBERS

6

HALLMARKS

The chief downside to this technology is that it might fail to reach those who

could most use it. Christopher Hanifan, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Fox News, on the use of mobile apps in medicine as a doctors virtual assistant.

Politicians use religion for intimidation and manipulation. Ines Angeli Murzaku, Department of Catholic Studies, Russian Federation News

Agency (RIA), on the role of interfaith education in building lasting peace and stability.

The identity crises in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan and Tibet will surely become Beijings real tests and dilemmas. How well the Chinese leadership deals with these crises

will determine Chinas rise and future development. Zheng Wang, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Time, on the student protests in Hong Kong.

Being open, transparent [and] honest; its what [the Pentagon] needs to do, and what they shouldve done long ago. That is the only thing

they can do to mitigate political damage right now. Matthew Hale, College of Arts and Sciences, Newsweek, on American service members complaints of chemical warfare exposure in Iraq.

So many inner-city students are rudderless. And they need some kind of support from people who have made it [and] can offer guidance.

Denisse Oller, Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, discussing the success of the xito Mentorship Program.

A lot of these students are going it alone, not getting the assistance and support from their families or

their schools that they might need to really understandhow to negotiate [high-school choice].

Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, College of Education and Human Services, WNYCs BrianLehrer Show, on navigating high-school choice for children of immigrant families.

SHU in the news

He will get an extraordinary reception. It will easily be similar to Pope John Paul II. The numbers [of people] that turn out will be off the charts.

Monsignor Robert J. Wister, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Japan Times/Bloomberg, AP, on Pope Francis South Korean tour.

I call it the paradox of choice.

Daniel Ladik, Stillman School of Business, The Wall Street Journal,on why people will wait in line around the block for an iPhone.

This is not a political appointment. Its a religious

appointment. Jo-Renee Formicola, College of Arts and Sciences, Chicago Tribune,

on the late Cardinal Francis Georges battle with cancer, and Pope Franciss selection process for Chicagos next archbishop.

Our students are very engaged academically we also want them to make friends and be happy. Alyssa McCloud, Enrollment Services, U.S. News & World Report, on what makes schools attractive to students.

7S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

7

Savior in the Skies

On a flight home from Rome last August, nursing student StefanieDeSimone found herself confronted with some unexpected, high-stakes clinical practice. About three hours into the nine-hour flight,a man who was walking to the lavatory suddenly collapsed. DeSimone,

seated nearby, sprang into action.

His face was very white, said DeSimone. I checked for a pulse and

there was none. She called for flight attendants in both English and

Italian to bring blankets, pillows and a defibrillator. Then DeSimone

and her cousin, an occupational therapist traveling with her, began CPR.

After the patient regained a pulse, only to lose it again, the team, which

included other healthcare professionals who had come to help, finally

managed to stabilize him.

It was clear from the beginning that DeSimone was in charge of the

scene. In fact, it was DeSimone the captain consulted with when deciding

to make an emergency landing at a military airstrip in the Azores, islands

off the coast of Portugal.

DeSimone, who wants to work in an intensive care unit after graduating,

credits her training at Seton Hall with having the knowledge and confidence

to save the mans life.

You really need to assess the situation. Professor [Patricia] Pappas,

one of my nursing instructors, was in my head the whole time, she said.

I could hear her asking me, just as she did in class and during clinical

rotations: OK, what are you going to do now? OK, the patient passed out,

what do you do first?

One of the others who was helping her that day turned out to be a

Seton Hall nursing alumna, Marie Truglio-Londrigan, M.S.N. 81. When the

two finally had a chance to speak, DeSimone asked why her fellow Pirate

hadnt stepped in and taken over. You did a fabulous job, Truglio-Londrigan

told her. You were doing everything right! You will be a great nurse.

Faculty Research

8.75 millionGrant dollars received (201314)

106Faculty experts who appeared in the media

(201314)

30Faculty books published (201314)

29Nations where faculty presented their research

(201314)

4Faculty Fulbright Awards (201314)

3Faculty patents filed (2014)

57Faculty articles in the highly selective

ScienceDirect database (2014)

12Seton Halls rank among Catholic national universities

in ScienceDirect (2014)

BY THE NUMBERS

6

HALLMARKS

The chief downside to this technology is that it might fail to reach those who

could most use it. Christopher Hanifan, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Fox News, on the use of mobile apps in medicine as a doctors virtual assistant.

Politicians use religion for intimidation and manipulation. Ines Angeli Murzaku, Department of Catholic Studies, Russian Federation News

Agency (RIA), on the role of interfaith education in building lasting peace and stability.

The identity crises in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Taiwan and Tibet will surely become Beijings real tests and dilemmas. How well the Chinese leadership deals with these crises

will determine Chinas rise and future development. Zheng Wang, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Time, on the student protests in Hong Kong.

Being open, transparent [and] honest; its what [the Pentagon] needs to do, and what they shouldve done long ago. That is the only thing

they can do to mitigate political damage right now. Matthew Hale, College of Arts and Sciences, Newsweek, on American service members complaints of chemical warfare exposure in Iraq.

So many inner-city students are rudderless. And they need some kind of support from people who have made it [and] can offer guidance.

Denisse Oller, Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, discussing the success of the xito Mentorship Program.

A lot of these students are going it alone, not getting the assistance and support from their families or

their schools that they might need to really understandhow to negotiate [high-school choice].

Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, College of Education and Human Services, WNYCs BrianLehrer Show, on navigating high-school choice for children of immigrant families.

SHU in the news

He will get an extraordinary reception. It will easily be similar to Pope John Paul II. The numbers [of people] that turn out will be off the charts.

Monsignor Robert J. Wister, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Japan Times/Bloomberg, AP, on Pope Francis South Korean tour.

I call it the paradox of choice.

Daniel Ladik, Stillman School of Business, The Wall Street Journal,on why people will wait in line around the block for an iPhone.

This is not a political appointment. Its a religious

appointment. Jo-Renee Formicola, College of Arts and Sciences, Chicago Tribune,

on the late Cardinal Francis Georges battle with cancer, and Pope Franciss selection process for Chicagos next archbishop.

Our students are very engaged academically we also want them to make friends and be happy. Alyssa McCloud, Enrollment Services, U.S. News & World Report, on what makes schools attractive to students.

9 Omer Gokcekus, professor of internationaleconomics and development at theSchool of Diplomacy and InternationalRelations, appeared on NPRs Market-place to discuss finding new ways totrack government corruption around theworld, including looking at the number of luxury cars being sold.

Sona Patel, director of the Voice Analyticsand Neuropsychology Lab and assistantprofessor of speech-language pathology,received a $380,000 grant from theNational Institutes of Health/NationalInstitute on Deafness and Other Commu-nication Disorders to conduct research on voice control in Parkinsons diseaseand Alzheimers disease.

The American Alliance of Museumsappointed Sally Yerkovich, director of the Institute of Museum Ethics, as thechair of the Task Force on Direct Care. The task force will help define the termdirect care, which is used in museumethics to determine how a museum mayuse funds acquired through deaccession-ing, the process by which items in acollection are sold to raise funds.

Petra Chu, professor of art history,received the Distinguished Teaching of Art History Award from the College ArtAssociation. The association, a 13,000-member organization of art historians andfine artists working in academia, awardsthis honor to one recipient each year.

Brian B. Shulman, dean of the School ofHealth and Medical Sciences, was nameda fellow of the Association of Schools ofAllied Health Professions in recognition of his efforts to promote excellence inteaching, research, service and leader-ship in allied health. He also was electedto the associations board of directors.

Mark Molesky, associate professor ofhistory, was featured in Gods Wrath, a documentary about the Lisbon earth-quake of 1755 that appeared as part a miniseries produced for the CanadianHistory Channel. The miniseries wasbroadcast in the United States by theSmithsonian Channel.

William H. Haney, professor of design, wontwo gold awards and one silver for designand illustration from the Art Directors Clubof New Jersey, a statewide nonprofit organi-zation of art directors, graphic designers,digital media experts, illustrators, photog-raphers and art educators.

Anisa Mehdi, adjunct professor of docu-mentary film, created The Hajj, a PBSspecial that follows pilgrims from Bostonas they travel to Mecca. The documentaryis one part of a six-part series calledSacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler.

The Master of Healthcare Administrationprogram was accredited by the Commissionon Accreditation of Healthcare ManagementEducation (CAHME) in 2014, making itthe only M.H.A. program in New Jerseyaccredited by CAHME.

Anca Cotet-Grecu, assistant professor of economics, won a Bright Idea Awardfrom the NJPRO Foundation for scholarlyresearch on a business-related issuedeemed educational to New Jersey firms.Selected by a distinguished panel of deansand business professionals, Cotet-Grecu is one of only 10 winners in the state.

The Gerald P. Buccino 63 Center forLeadership Development of the StillmanSchool of Business received $100,000from Securitas North America. The gift, the second of this amount from Securitas,will support a study abroad program, aswell as other innovations at the center.

The Stillman School of Business hasmaintained its accreditation by the Associ-ation to Advance Collegiate Schools ofBusiness (AACSB) International for itsbusiness and accounting programs. Fewerthan 1 percent of the worlds businessschools have achieved accreditation fromAACSB International in both business and accounting.

Barnabas Health awarded Maureen Byrnes,assistant clinical professor of nursing, andLuz-Patricia Torres, instructor of nursing,with an award recognizing healthcare educators who help to integrate simulationtraining into their curriculum.

In Brief...

Last fall, the Archives and Special CollectionsCenter at the Walsh Library announced theacquisition of the Donald M. Payne Papers,records from the late Donald M. Payne 57, NewJerseys first African-American congressman, whorepresented the states 10th District in theHouse of Representatives from 1989 to 2012.

The collection contains more than 13,000items, including legislative documentation,research files, news clippings, photographs,audio-video recordings and USB flash drives.Held within these documents are the records ofPaynes contributions to shaping U.S. policy on

key issues, such as education, human rights andsocial justice, and foreign affairs in Africa, North-ern Ireland and the Balkans. The collection alsohighlights the congressmans projects on behalfof his constituents, including air noise regula-tions, jitney service, college funding, theMontclair Art Museum and police funding.

Congressman Payne was a proud Seton Hallalumnus, and the University is honored to bechosen as the home for the records of his timein office, said University Libraries Dean JohnBuschman. Documents such as these are notalways available to the public so quickly.

At its School of Law in Newark, Seton Hallalso houses the archives of Paynes predecessor,the late Peter W. Rodino Jr., who represented the10th District from 1949 to 1989. The materialsoffer insight into one congressional district overmore than six decades, said Buschman, makingthe collections valuable resources to researchersand the public alike.

The Donald M. Payne Papers collection isavailable at the Archives and Special CollectionsCenter. The materials are available for viewing by appointment by calling 973-761-9476 oremailing brianna.losardo@shu.edu.

HALLMARKS

PIECE of CONGRESSIONAL HISTORY

New Dean for College of NursingMarie C. Foley was named dean of Seton

Halls College of Nursing in February. She

served as acting dean of the college since

August 2014.

Having started at Seton Hall as an

instructor in 1985, Foley joined the faculty

as associate professor in 2005 and was

named chair of the graduate department

in 2012.

During her tenure at the University, she has

served as program director for the certificate

and masters in school nursing programs,

as well as the Universitys director of the

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant.

Foley, who earned her bachelors degree

in nursing from Farleigh Dickinson University

and her masters and doctoral degrees from

New York University, has researched and

presented extensively in the fields of school

nursing and child temperament.

She has received many awards and

distinctions, including the Outstanding

School Nurse Educator Award from the

National Association of School Nurses and

the Research Article Award from the Journal

for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing.

Support for the Chesterton Institute

Orthodoxy,The Everlasting Man Father Brown

The Chesterton Review.

Photo of Dean Foley by M

ilan Stanic 11

8

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

86percent

Seton Hall Class of 2014 employment rate

in career-related jobs six months after graduation

Source: Seton Hall Career Center

67percent

National employment rate for graduates

with bachelors degreesSource: National Association of Colleges and Employers

Class of 2014 First Destinations Survey wellplaced

9l Omer Gokcekus, professor of internationaleconomics and development at theSchool of Diplomacy and InternationalRelations, appeared on NPRs Market-place to discuss finding new ways totrack government corruption around theworld, including looking at the number of luxury cars being sold.

l Sona Patel, director of the Voice Analyticsand Neuropsychology Lab and assistantprofessor of speech-language pathology,received a $380,000 grant from theNational Institutes of Health/NationalInstitute on Deafness and Other Commu-nication Disorders to conduct research on voice control in Parkinsons diseaseand Alzheimers disease.

l The American Alliance of Museumsappointed Sally Yerkovich, director of the Institute of Museum Ethics, as thechair of the Task Force on Direct Care. The task force will help define the termdirect care, which is used in museumethics to determine how a museum mayuse funds acquired through deaccession-ing, the process by which items in acollection are sold to raise funds.

l Petra Chu, professor of art history,received the Distinguished Teaching of Art History Award from the College ArtAssociation. The association, a 13,000-member organization of art historians andfine artists working in academia, awardsthis honor to one recipient each year.

l Brian B. Shulman, dean of the School ofHealth and Medical Sciences, was nameda fellow of the Association of Schools ofAllied Health Professions in recognition of his efforts to promote excellence inteaching, research, service and leader-ship in allied health. He also was electedto the associations board of directors.

l Mark Molesky, associate professor ofhistory, was featured in Gods Wrath, a documentary about the Lisbon earth-quake of 1755 that appeared as part a miniseries produced for the CanadianHistory Channel. The miniseries wasbroadcast in the United States by theSmithsonian Channel.

l William H. Haney, professor of design, wontwo gold awards and one silver for designand illustration from the Art Directors Clubof New Jersey, a statewide nonprofit organi-zation of art directors, graphic designers,digital media experts, illustrators, photog-raphers and art educators.

l Anisa Mehdi, adjunct professor of docu-mentary film, created The Hajj, a PBSspecial that follows pilgrims from Bostonas they travel to Mecca. The documentaryis one part of a six-part series calledSacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler.

l The Master of Healthcare Administrationprogram was accredited by the Commissionon Accreditation of Healthcare ManagementEducation (CAHME) in 2014, making itthe only M.H.A. program in New Jerseyaccredited by CAHME.

l Anca Cotet-Grecu, assistant professor of economics, won a Bright Idea Awardfrom the NJPRO Foundation for scholarlyresearch on a business-related issuedeemed educational to New Jersey firms.Selected by a distinguished panel of deansand business professionals, Cotet-Grecu is one of only 10 winners in the state.

l The Gerald P. Buccino 63 Center forLeadership Development of the StillmanSchool of Business received $100,000from Securitas North America. The gift, the second of this amount from Securitas,will support a study abroad program, aswell as other innovations at the center.

l The Stillman School of Business hasmaintained its accreditation by the Associ-ation to Advance Collegiate Schools ofBusiness (AACSB) International for itsbusiness and accounting programs. Fewerthan 1 percent of the worlds businessschools have achieved accreditation fromAACSB International in both business and accounting.

l Barnabas Health awarded Maureen Byrnes,assistant clinical professor of nursing, andLuz-Patricia Torres, instructor of nursing,with an award recognizing healthcare educators who help to integrate simulationtraining into their curriculum.

In Brief...

Last fall, the Archives and Special CollectionsCenter at the Walsh Library announced theacquisition of the Donald M. Payne Papers,records from the late Donald M. Payne 57, NewJerseys first African-American congressman, whorepresented the states 10th District in theHouse of Representatives from 1989 to 2012.

The collection contains more than 13,000items, including legislative documentation,research files, news clippings, photographs,audio-video recordings and USB flash drives.Held within these documents are the records ofPaynes contributions to shaping U.S. policy on

key issues, such as education, human rights andsocial justice, and foreign affairs in Africa, North-ern Ireland and the Balkans. The collection alsohighlights the congressmans projects on behalfof his constituents, including air noise regula-tions, jitney service, college funding, theMontclair Art Museum and police funding.

Congressman Payne was a proud Seton Hallalumnus, and the University is honored to bechosen as the home for the records of his timein office, said University Libraries Dean JohnBuschman. Documents such as these are notalways available to the public so quickly.

At its School of Law in Newark, Seton Hallalso houses the archives of Paynes predecessor,the late Peter W. Rodino Jr., who represented the10th District from 1949 to 1989. The materialsoffer insight into one congressional district overmore than six decades, said Buschman, makingthe collections valuable resources to researchersand the public alike.

The Donald M. Payne Papers collection isavailable at the Archives and Special CollectionsCenter. The materials are available for viewing by appointment by calling 973-761-9476 oremailing brianna.losardo@shu.edu.

HALLMARKS

PIECE of CONGRESSIONAL HISTORY

New Dean for College of NursingMarie C. Foley was named dean of Seton

Halls College of Nursing in February. She

served as acting dean of the college since

August 2014.

Having started at Seton Hall as an

instructor in 1985, Foley joined the faculty

as associate professor in 2005 and was

named chair of the graduate department

in 2012.

During her tenure at the University, she has

served as program director for the certificate

and masters in school nursing programs,

as well as the Universitys director of the

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant.

Foley, who earned her bachelors degree

in nursing from Farleigh Dickinson University

and her masters and doctoral degrees from

New York University, has researched and

presented extensively in the fields of school

nursing and child temperament.

She has received many awards and

distinctions, including the Outstanding

School Nurse Educator Award from the

National Association of School Nurses and

the Research Article Award from the Journal

for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing.

Support for the Chesterton InstituteSeton Hall University received a $700,000 gift from the G.K.

Chesterton Society in Canada, which will be used to support

the Universitys G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture.

The gift will help continue the work of the institute by

providing opportunities for the University community to explore

the insights of the English novelist, playwright, philosopher,

journalist, poet, essayist and artist a man of many gifts

widely praised for his eloquent defense of Christian doctrine and

human dignity. Among his best known works are Orthodoxy,The Everlasting Man and the Father Brown series.

Founded in Canada in 1974 and located at Seton Hall since

1999, the Chesterton Institute last year celebrated its 40th

anniversary and the 40th anniversary of its academic journal,

The Chesterton Review. The institute also supports scholarlyresearch on Chesterton around the globe.

Chesterton believed that the imagination was an organ of

perception, said Father Ian Boyd, founder and director of the

institute at Seton Hall. His insights into life, the life of our nation,

of America and the Western world, are still relevant today.

I am profoundly grateful to Seton Hall for giving our work

a home, Father Boyd said.

What we do is central to Seton Halls mission as a Catholic

university, as a place where the Church does its thinking,

he said. This gift will ensure that we can continue to pursue

this important work for the next 40 years and beyond.

Photo of Dean Foley by M

ilan Stanic 11

8

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

86percent

Seton Hall Class of 2014 employment rate

in career-related jobs six months after graduation

Source: Seton Hall Career Center

67percent

National employment rate for graduates

with bachelors degreesSource: National Association of Colleges and Employers

Class of 2014 First Destinations Survey wellplaced

10 11

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

92.3% of football helmets were reconditioned each year

63.5% of lacrosse helmets were reconditioned each year

4 lbs.

2.5 lbs.

HELMETS: WHO BUYS THEM

AVERAGE WEIGHT

Lacrosse is booming. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country among both boys and girls, particularly in the Northeast.

Its also one of the sports with the highest number of concussions, behindfootball and ice hockey. And while football players helmets are generallyfitted and maintained in a consistent manner, the way schools handlelacrosse helmets isnt yet standardized.

A new study by Richard Boergers, assistant professor of athletic training,highlights areas for improvement in lacrosse helmet safety. He and several graduate students interviewed more than 50 athletic trainers inpublic and private high schools in New Jersey and New York that haveboth football and lacrosse programs.

Here are some highlights of their findings.

WHO FITS THEM

73% of people

fitting football helmets were specifically trained to do so

RECONDITIONING

15.4% of lacrosse helmets

purchased by experienced personnel(coach, athletic director)

92.3%of football helmets

purchased by experienced personnel (coach: 53.8%; athletic director: 38.5%)

31% of people

fitting lacrosse helmets were specifically trained to do so

21% of parents

were responsible for fitting lacrosse helmets

HALLMARKS

SEARCHINGFOR WAYSTO SOFTENTHE BLOW

10 11

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

92.3% of football helmets were reconditioned each year

63.5% of lacrosse helmets were reconditioned each year

4 lbs.

2.5 lbs.

HELMETS: WHO BUYS THEM

AVERAGE WEIGHT

Lacrosse is booming. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country among both boys and girls, particularly in the Northeast.

Its also one of the sports with the highest number of concussions, behindfootball and ice hockey. And while football players helmets are generallyfitted and maintained in a consistent manner, the way schools handlelacrosse helmets isnt yet standardized.

A new study by Richard Boergers, assistant professor of athletic training,highlights areas for improvement in lacrosse helmet safety. He and several graduate students interviewed more than 50 athletic trainers inpublic and private high schools in New Jersey and New York that haveboth football and lacrosse programs.

Here are some highlights of their findings.

WHO FITS THEM

73% of people

fitting football helmets were specifically trained to do so

RECONDITIONING

15.4% of lacrosse helmets

purchased by experienced personnel(coach, athletic director)

92.3%of football helmets

purchased by experienced personnel (coach: 53.8%; athletic director: 38.5%)

31% of people

fitting lacrosse helmets were specifically trained to do so

21% of parents

were responsible for fitting lacrosse helmets

HALLMARKS

SEARCHINGFOR WAYSTO SOFTENTHE BLOW

POSSIB IL I T IES | T R I C I A B R I C K

the United States delegate to the 2014

G(irls)20 summit, Seton Hall junior

Cynthia Sularz spent a week in Australia network-

ing with prominent women from around the world.

But it was a woman who wasnt there who

influenced her most.

Mirroring the Group of 20 economic summit,

the G(irls)20 event brought together delegates from

G-20 member nations, as well as a selection of other

countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, to

draft a communiqu encouraging their governments

to address female economic issues.

Fatima Hashimi, the G(irls)20 delegate from

Afghanistan, was prevented from traveling to Aus-

tralia when the government of Afghanistan denied

her exit visa. But on the final day of the summit,

she joined the other women via Skype to speak

about increasing girls access to education.

Sularz had been working for years on a personal

project to help young women gain the confidence

to speak out in the classroom, but she had not yet

brought the topic into her formal studies. Listening

to Hashimi speak with self-possession and passion

about increasing access to education despite the

obstacles young women in many developing nations

face sparked an epiphany.

Our experiences have been so different, and yet

they led us to similar conclusions about what we

want to change in the world to make this world

better for women and girls, Sularz says.

Cynthia is built to soar, says Farah Mohamed,

the CEO of G(irls)20. Shes very clear on the fact

that she wants to do something important with her

life. Fatima was an example to all of the girls of

what theyre fighting for: They could relate to her

because shes trying to do what theyre trying to do,

which is to chart their own futures. But she has a

set of challenges they wont have to deal with. And

Cynthia was very impacted by that.

A diplomacy and international relations major,

Sularz traces her interest in international affairs to

her parents, natives of Poland, who discussed the

news of the day through a global and historical lens.

Her studies have taken her to Poland and Germany,

and last summer, she taught English to children

in Russia.

Even as she was focusing on global issues in

her coursework, Sularz was working on an extracur-

ricular project exploring why girls tend to apologize

more than boys in the classroom. But while she

hoped to create some kind of educational program

on the topic, she was unsure of how to do it until

the G(irls)20 summit gave her the tools.

Over the course of a week in August 2014, she

and her fellow delegates participated in workshops

on communications and leadership skills, entrepre-

neurship, and activism and grassroots campaigns.

They then spent 24 hours composing the commu-

niqu to be presented to the G-20 representatives

with recommendations supporting the economic

R E P R E S EN T I NG T H E U . S . A T T H E I N T E RN AT I ON A L G ( I R L S ) 2 0 S UMM I T G A V E C Y N T H I A S U L A R Z T H E S PA R K S H E N E ED ED TO F O L L OW H E R PA S S I ON EMPOWER I NG OT H E R YOUNG WOMEN .

advancement of women and girls worldwide.

The process gave the delegates a platform to discuss

topics that affect young women in each of their nations.

From wage equity and the prevention of sexual violence

and harassment in the workplace to the integration of

women into the fields of science, technology, engineering

and mathematics and the guarantee of basic sanitation

in schools, they educated one another about the economic

consequences of social-justice issues.

As she listened to the delegates speak, Sularz says,

her passion for womens issues crystallized into a career

focus. Since the summer, she has been interviewing

young American women for a video project exploring

gender and confidence.

I want to start a dialogue by getting a grassroots

perspective on these issues from actual college students:

the fears they have, the ideas they have about the future,

how socialization has affected them to this point in

their lives, she says. My overarching goal is to give

girls who havent been able to talk about these things

a place to express themselves.

Sularz plans to expand the project into an educational

workshop. She is also working on initiatives with the

international organizations PeaceWomen and Girl Up.

Im not sure if I want to go the bureaucratic route

or the NGO route, Sularz says, but I am 100 percent

sure that I want to devote the next few years of my life

to empowering adolescent girls.

Tricia Brick is a New York-area writer.

Photo by Joy Yag

id

As

I want to devote the next few years of my life to empoweringadolescent girls.

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

1312

GIRLPower

POSSIB IL I T IES | T R I C I A B R I C K

the United States delegate to the 2014

G(irls)20 summit, Seton Hall junior

Cynthia Sularz spent a week in Australia network-

ing with prominent women from around the world.

But it was a woman who wasnt there who

influenced her most.

Mirroring the Group of 20 economic summit,

the G(irls)20 event brought together delegates from

G-20 member nations, as well as a selection of other

countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, to

draft a communiqu encouraging their governments

to address female economic issues.

Fatima Hashimi, the G(irls)20 delegate from

Afghanistan, was prevented from traveling to Aus-

tralia when the government of Afghanistan denied

her exit visa. But on the final day of the summit,

she joined the other women via Skype to speak

about increasing girls access to education.

Sularz had been working for years on a personal

project to help young women gain the confidence

to speak out in the classroom, but she had not yet

brought the topic into her formal studies. Listening

to Hashimi speak with self-possession and passion

about increasing access to education despite the

obstacles young women in many developing nations

face sparked an epiphany.

Our experiences have been so different, and yet

they led us to similar conclusions about what we

want to change in the world to make this world

better for women and girls, Sularz says.

Cynthia is built to soar, says Farah Mohamed,

the CEO of G(irls)20. Shes very clear on the fact

that she wants to do something important with her

life. Fatima was an example to all of the girls of

what theyre fighting for: They could relate to her

because shes trying to do what theyre trying to do,

which is to chart their own futures. But she has a

set of challenges they wont have to deal with. And

Cynthia was very impacted by that.

A diplomacy and international relations major,

Sularz traces her interest in international affairs to

her parents, natives of Poland, who discussed the

news of the day through a global and historical lens.

Her studies have taken her to Poland and Germany,

and last summer, she taught English to children

in Russia.

Even as she was focusing on global issues in

her coursework, Sularz was working on an extracur-

ricular project exploring why girls tend to apologize

more than boys in the classroom. But while she

hoped to create some kind of educational program

on the topic, she was unsure of how to do it until

the G(irls)20 summit gave her the tools.

Over the course of a week in August 2014, she

and her fellow delegates participated in workshops

on communications and leadership skills, entrepre-

neurship, and activism and grassroots campaigns.

They then spent 24 hours composing the commu-

niqu to be presented to the G-20 representatives

with recommendations supporting the economic

R E P R E S EN T I NG T H E U . S . A T T H E I N T E RN AT I ON A L G ( I R L S ) 2 0 S UMM I T G A V E C Y N T H I A S U L A R Z T H E S PA R K S H E N E ED ED TO F O L L OW H E R PA S S I ON EMPOWER I NG OT H E R YOUNG WOMEN .

advancement of women and girls worldwide.

The process gave the delegates a platform to discuss

topics that affect young women in each of their nations.

From wage equity and the prevention of sexual violence

and harassment in the workplace to the integration of

women into the fields of science, technology, engineering

and mathematics and the guarantee of basic sanitation

in schools, they educated one another about the economic

consequences of social-justice issues.

As she listened to the delegates speak, Sularz says,

her passion for womens issues crystallized into a career

focus. Since the summer, she has been interviewing

young American women for a video project exploring

gender and confidence.

I want to start a dialogue by getting a grassroots

perspective on these issues from actual college students:

the fears they have, the ideas they have about the future,

how socialization has affected them to this point in

their lives, she says. My overarching goal is to give

girls who havent been able to talk about these things

a place to express themselves.

Sularz plans to expand the project into an educational

workshop. She is also working on initiatives with the

international organizations PeaceWomen and Girl Up.

Im not sure if I want to go the bureaucratic route

or the NGO route, Sularz says, but I am 100 percent

sure that I want to devote the next few years of my life

to empowering adolescent girls.

Tricia Brick is a New York-area writer.

Photo by Joy Yag

id

As

I want to devote the next few years of my life to empoweringadolescent girls.

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

1312

GIRLPower

ROAMING THE HALL | C A S S A N D R A W I L L Y A R D

15

can be a bewildering

experience for anyone. But if youre young and homeless,

the prospect can be downright terrifying. Motherhood

prompts so many questions, and trustworthy information

can be hard to find.

In spring 2013, Maureen Byrnes, an assistant nursing

professor and certified nurse midwife, launched a project

to make the experience a little less daunting. Byrnes

helped new mothers, ages 18-21, at a Newark homeless

shelter enroll in a service that provides text messages

about how to keep babies healthy, before and after birth.

Text4baby, which launched in 2010, is an education

campaign designed to promote maternal and child health.

Women receive three free texts a week, with messages

timed to match the womans due date or the babys date of

birth and continue through the babys first year of life.

So a woman in her first trimester might receive this

message: Morning sickness may be caused by a change

in your hormones. Try eating crackers or dry cereal.

Eat small meals often. Dont go without eating.

A new mom, on the other hand, might receive a text

that says, Your babys mouth needs cleaning now

even before the first tooth! Wipe your babys gums each

day with a wet washcloth or use a soft baby toothbrush.

When Byrnes first learned about Text4baby as a stu-

dent in Seton Halls doctoral nursing program, she was

intrigued. She and her students began offering their

clients the option to enroll. One morning, as Byrnes was

driving to Seton Hall, a new idea came to her. Why not

make it accessible to homeless women?

No one had implemented Text4baby within a homeless

population before. But Byrnes could already see the

potential benefits. Its a perfect platform to get evidence-

based health information to them in a manner theyll

utilize, she says. You could hand a young mother a

brochure; that doesnt mean shes going to read it. But

they do read text messages, she says.

Byrnes had also recently learned a striking statistic:

African-American babies born in New Jersey are 3.5 times

as likely to die before their first birthday as white infants.

This disparity exists, at least in part, because of a lack

of access to health information.

Between May and August 2014, Byrnes made weekly

visits to Covenant House, a homeless shelter in Newark,

and Raphaels Life House, an affiliated residence for new

or expectant mothers in nearby Elizabeth. She met with

14

pregnant women and new mothers to talk to them about

the service and recruit them to join. For the women who

didnt already have mobile phones, Byrnes connected

them with a federal assistance program that provides

cellphones to people who are eligible.

When Byrnes proposed the project to Meghan Leigh,

associate site director of Covenant House, Leigh wasnt

sure if Text4baby would appeal to the women at the shelter.

She need not have worried. The girls werent hesitant, she

says. Of the 12 women eligible for enrollment at Raphaels

Life House, 10 signed up. I thought that was astounding,

Byrnes says. Whats more, nine of those moms agreed to

become ambassadors and share the service with others.

The messages seem to have a real impact, and Leigh

says she was surprised to hear women referencing the

texts. For example, a mother might tell a staff member,

Text4baby reminded me I have to get the baby shots,

so can you help me make an appointment?

Text messages cant provide all the information these

young women need, Leigh says. But they provide some

basic education. It keeps them mindful, she says. It

proved to be really beneficial to our young mothers.

Of course, part of the projects success might be due

to Byrnes. The women seemed to respond to her, Leigh

says. They felt really loved, and she really wrapped her

arms around them to make them feel confident about

their mothering and their parenting abilities.

In February, Byrnes presented her findings at the

Care4 International Scientific Nursing and Midwifery

Congress at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.

For Byrnes, the project was a chance to give back to

people living in the community where she was raised.

Byrnes grew up in Newark, too. She was never expected

to go to college, let alone receive a doctorate degree. Edu-

cation changes everything. This project is a full circle a

gift of gratitude for everything Ive been given, she says.

Cassandra Willyard is a freelance writer in Madison, Wisconsin.

Photos by Joy Yagid

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

Y O U N G H O M E L E S S M O T H E R S L E A R N C R I T I C A L L E S S O N S I N P R E N A T A L A N D I N F A N T C A R E T H R O U G H A T E X T I N G P R O G R A M I N T R O D U C E D B Y T H E C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G S M A U R E E N B Y R N E S .

Having a baby

Text SUPPORT

ROAMING THE HALL | C A S S A N D R A W I L L Y A R D

15

can be a bewildering

experience for anyone. But if youre young and homeless,

the prospect can be downright terrifying. Motherhood

prompts so many questions, and trustworthy information

can be hard to find.

In spring 2013, Maureen Byrnes, an assistant nursing

professor and certified nurse midwife, launched a project

to make the experience a little less daunting. Byrnes

helped new mothers, ages 18-21, at a Newark homeless

shelter enroll in a service that provides text messages

about how to keep babies healthy, before and after birth.

Text4baby, which launched in 2010, is an education

campaign designed to promote maternal and child health.

Women receive three free texts a week, with messages

timed to match the womans due date or the babys date of

birth and continue through the babys first year of life.

So a woman in her first trimester might receive this

message: Morning sickness may be caused by a change

in your hormones. Try eating crackers or dry cereal.

Eat small meals often. Dont go without eating.

A new mom, on the other hand, might receive a text

that says, Your babys mouth needs cleaning now

even before the first tooth! Wipe your babys gums each

day with a wet washcloth or use a soft baby toothbrush.

When Byrnes first learned about Text4baby as a stu-

dent in Seton Halls doctoral nursing program, she was

intrigued. She and her students began offering their

clients the option to enroll. One morning, as Byrnes was

driving to Seton Hall, a new idea came to her. Why not

make it accessible to homeless women?

No one had implemented Text4baby within a homeless

population before. But Byrnes could already see the

potential benefits. Its a perfect platform to get evidence-

based health information to them in a manner theyll

utilize, she says. You could hand a young mother a

brochure; that doesnt mean shes going to read it. But

they do read text messages, she says.

Byrnes had also recently learned a striking statistic:

African-American babies born in New Jersey are 3.5 times

as likely to die before their first birthday as white infants.

This disparity exists, at least in part, because of a lack

of access to health information.

Between May and August 2014, Byrnes made weekly

visits to Covenant House, a homeless shelter in Newark,

and Raphaels Life House, an affiliated residence for new

or expectant mothers in nearby Elizabeth. She met with

14

pregnant women and new mothers to talk to them about

the service and recruit them to join. For the women who

didnt already have mobile phones, Byrnes connected

them with a federal assistance program that provides

cellphones to people who are eligible.

When Byrnes proposed the project to Meghan Leigh,

associate site director of Covenant House, Leigh wasnt

sure if Text4baby would appeal to the women at the shelter.

She need not have worried. The girls werent hesitant, she

says. Of the 12 women eligible for enrollment at Raphaels

Life House, 10 signed up. I thought that was astounding,

Byrnes says. Whats more, nine of those moms agreed to

become ambassadors and share the service with others.

The messages seem to have a real impact, and Leigh

says she was surprised to hear women referencing the

texts. For example, a mother might tell a staff member,

Text4baby reminded me I have to get the baby shots,

so can you help me make an appointment?

Text messages cant provide all the information these

young women need, Leigh says. But they provide some

basic education. It keeps them mindful, she says. It

proved to be really beneficial to our young mothers.

Of course, part of the projects success might be due

to Byrnes. The women seemed to respond to her, Leigh

says. They felt really loved, and she really wrapped her

arms around them to make them feel confident about

their mothering and their parenting abilities.

In February, Byrnes presented her findings at the

Care4 International Scientific Nursing and Midwifery

Congress at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.

For Byrnes, the project was a chance to give back to

people living in the community where she was raised.

Byrnes grew up in Newark, too. She was never expected

to go to college, let alone receive a doctorate degree. Edu-

cation changes everything. This project is a full circle a

gift of gratitude for everything Ive been given, she says.

Cassandra Willyard is a freelance writer in Madison, Wisconsin.

Photos by Joy Yagid

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

Y O U N G H O M E L E S S M O T H E R S L E A R N C R I T I C A L L E S S O N S I N P R E N A T A L A N D I N F A N T C A R E T H R O U G H A T E X T I N G P R O G R A M I N T R O D U C E D B Y T H E C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G S M A U R E E N B Y R N E S .

Having a baby

Text SUPPORT

16

PROFILE | B O B G I L B E R T

Shannon Morris 92/M.A. 94

displays an enviable ability

to orchestrate a whirlwind of

activity into formidable suc-

cess. A days work includes running

New Jerseys top-ranked ad agency,

raising four children and finding

time for reflection.

Proof of Morris mastery has come

in the form of a number of accolades.

In 2014, AdWeek magazine proclaimed her agency

Sigma Group No. 1 in New Jersey. AdAge named it

the top small agency in the Northeast. Inc. magazine

placed it among its Fastest Growing 5,000 companies.

BtoB magazine nominated Sigma for the Top Creative

Campaign of the Decade. And in 2013, the Stillman School

of Business picked Morris as the first woman to be

inducted into its Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

Obviously, Morris doesnt handle everything alone.

More than 60 Sigma employees produce the companys

award-winning, results-driven marketing campaigns.

And her husband, Jeff 93, whom she met at Seton Hall,

gave up a career as a high-school math teacher to take

on the role of stay-at-home parent. What also helps is

that Morris recently relocated Sigma where she has

worked since 1999 before purchasing the firm in 2012

within a mile of her home in Upper Saddle River, N.J.

Im a very good multitasker, she says. I have to be,

because I juggle a lot. Thank God for technology.

Time management was no doubt just as critical to cre-

ating her outstanding record at Seton Hall. After arriving

from a small town in Oregon somewhat intimidated by

the thought of living in the Greater New York area, Morris

proceeded to complete a bachelors degree in communica-

tions, as well as a masters degree in communications

with a focus on marketing and public relations.

All the while, as an undergraduate, she competed on

the swim team as a Division I athlete

and was named a BIG EAST Academic

All-Star for three years. I was very

influenced by the athletic side of my

experience at Seton Hall, she says.

Competitive swimming, she points out,

combines personal and team goals to

win. This is particularly true in relay

races, where Morris swam both a key

leg and was the teams captain. That

helped build a great sense of confidence.

Such experience, where you have to hit those goals to

carry a team, directly translated to managing creative

types in advertising and public relations, she says. The

same principles apply: vision, goal-setting, hard work

and a great deal of commitment. The net effect is to

create a sense of your own destiny.

Like the black lane lines on the bottom of a pool, these

guidelines keep Morris on course in a business that is

not only traditionally frenzied, but is also widely varied

and constantly evolving. Indeed, she manages campaigns

for everything from Pert Plus Shampoo to Panasonic

Toughbooks.

Beyond hard work and juggling tasks effectively, Morris

business success depends very much on relationships,

she says. These only thrive in an atmosphere of honesty,

integrity, transparency and partnership. New ways may

emerge to get messages out to the public, but the heart of

a marketing firm remains the same: People are people;

that never changes.

As a female business owner, she offers the insight that

the biggest challenge for women is finding peace for

themselves. To recharge, Morris uses meditation. Her

time for reflection, she says, is not as perfect as when

I was in the pool, taking all those laps, but it makes her

more productive.

The same is true for her firm, where she schedules

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

17

one-hour boot camps in the middle of the workday for

her employees. A personal trainer helps them increase

fitness and decrease tension. She also hires a masseuse

and conducts yoga lessons for team-building.

Beyond altruism, she says there are sound financial rea-

sons for relaxing, de-stressing and de-cluttering the minds

of her people. Everything in marketing is ideas: How can

you be more creative? How can you out-think someone in

a big pitch? How can you be creative in retaining talent?

Morris advice to people starting careers is to be a

student of the business and be willing to work hard.

She calls that real authenticity, as opposed to trying

to impress people.

As to Sigmas future and her own she quotes a

line used by both poet Robert Browning and singer Frank

Sinatra, saying, The best is yet to come.

Bob Gilbert is a writer based in Connecticut.

In 2014, AdWeek proclaimed Morris agency Sigma Group

No. 1 in New Jersey.

SHANNON MORRIS 92/M.A. 94

RUNS SIGMA GROUP, NEW JERSEYS

TOP AD AGENCY, WITH AN

EMPHASIS ON FOSTERING

CREAT IV I TY AND F INDING BALANCE.

Commercial Success

Photo by M

ilan Stan

ic 1

1

16

PROFILE | B O B G I L B E R T

Shannon Morris 92/M.A. 94

displays an enviable ability

to orchestrate a whirlwind of

activity into formidable suc-

cess. A days work includes running

New Jerseys top-ranked ad agency,

raising four children and finding

time for reflection.

Proof of Morris mastery has come

in the form of a number of accolades.

In 2014, AdWeek magazine proclaimed her agency

Sigma Group No. 1 in New Jersey. AdAge named it

the top small agency in the Northeast. Inc. magazine

placed it among its Fastest Growing 5,000 companies.

BtoB magazine nominated Sigma for the Top Creative

Campaign of the Decade. And in 2013, the Stillman School

of Business picked Morris as the first woman to be

inducted into its Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

Obviously, Morris doesnt handle everything alone.

More than 60 Sigma employees produce the companys

award-winning, results-driven marketing campaigns.

And her husband, Jeff 93, whom she met at Seton Hall,

gave up a career as a high-school math teacher to take

on the role of stay-at-home parent. What also helps is

that Morris recently relocated Sigma where she has

worked since 1999 before purchasing the firm in 2012

within a mile of her home in Upper Saddle River, N.J.

Im a very good multitasker, she says. I have to be,

because I juggle a lot. Thank God for technology.

Time management was no doubt just as critical to cre-

ating her outstanding record at Seton Hall. After arriving

from a small town in Oregon somewhat intimidated by

the thought of living in the Greater New York area, Morris

proceeded to complete a bachelors degree in communica-

tions, as well as a masters degree in communications

with a focus on marketing and public relations.

All the while, as an undergraduate, she competed on

the swim team as a Division I athlete

and was named a BIG EAST Academic

All-Star for three years. I was very

influenced by the athletic side of my

experience at Seton Hall, she says.

Competitive swimming, she points out,

combines personal and team goals to

win. This is particularly true in relay

races, where Morris swam both a key

leg and was the teams captain. That

helped build a great sense of confidence.

Such experience, where you have to hit those goals to

carry a team, directly translated to managing creative

types in advertising and public relations, she says. The

same principles apply: vision, goal-setting, hard work

and a great deal of commitment. The net effect is to

create a sense of your own destiny.

Like the black lane lines on the bottom of a pool, these

guidelines keep Morris on course in a business that is

not only traditionally frenzied, but is also widely varied

and constantly evolving. Indeed, she manages campaigns

for everything from Pert Plus Shampoo to Panasonic

Toughbooks.

Beyond hard work and juggling tasks effectively, Morris

business success depends very much on relationships,

she says. These only thrive in an atmosphere of honesty,

integrity, transparency and partnership. New ways may

emerge to get messages out to the public, but the heart of

a marketing firm remains the same: People are people;

that never changes.

As a female business owner, she offers the insight that

the biggest challenge for women is finding peace for

themselves. To recharge, Morris uses meditation. Her

time for reflection, she says, is not as perfect as when

I was in the pool, taking all those laps, but it makes her

more productive.

The same is true for her firm, where she schedules

S E T O N H A L L M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

17

one-hour boot camps in the middle of the workday for

her employees. A personal trainer helps them increase

fitness and decrease tension. She also hires a masseuse

and conducts yoga lessons for team-building.

Beyond altruism, she says there are sound financial rea-

sons for relaxing, de-stressing and de-cluttering the minds

of her people. Everything in marketing is ideas: How can

you be more creative? How can you out-think someone in

a big pitch? How can you be creative in retaining talent?

Morris advice to people starting careers is to be a

student of the business and be willing to work hard.

She calls that real authenticity, as opposed to trying

to impress people.

As to Sigmas future and her own she quotes a

line used by both poet Robert Browning and singer Frank

Sinatra, saying, The best is yet to come.

Bob Gilbert is a writer based in Connecticut.

In 2014, AdWeek proclaimed Morris agency Sigma Group

No. 1 in New Jersey.

SHANNON MORRIS 92/M.A. 94

RUNS SIGMA GROUP, NEW JERSEYS

TOP AD AGENCY, WITH AN

EMPHASIS ON FOSTERING

CREAT IV I TY AND F INDING BALANCE.

Commercial Success

Photo by M

ilan Stan

ic 1

1

For an inner-city Newark teenager, the son of a father who sold drugs and a mother who was addicted to

heroin, life at Seton Hall University was once unimaginable.

As a very young boy, I wondered what Seton Hall was,

recalls Laquan Ford 13, who used to earn money raking

leaves in the lush nearby neighborhoods of South Orange.

I never knew it was a college because I didnt know what

a college was then.

What Ford did know about was parental absence. He

grew up in the care of an ailing great aunt whom he calls

his grandmother until she died, when Ford was still in

high school. Afterward, he found shelter with friends.

There was another thing that was unfathomable to Ford

growing up: Accustomed to abandonment and discord, he

was not comfortable with love and caring.

But time has changed Fords perspective. Seton Hall gave

him a fundamental lesson in the value of both education and

loving commitment. And for this, Ford now seeking a gradu-

ate degree in social work at Loyola University Chicago

credits the supportive environment of the University commu-

nity and the efforts of one man in particular: Nick Scalera 63.

Scalera arrived in Fords life by happenstance. After

the recession of 200709, scholarship money had become

scarce, and Ford was facing the prospect of having to drop

out of Seton Hall during his sophomore year.

By then, Ford had established a stable life on campus.

He was involved in numerous organizations, even helping to

found the campus group Black Men of Standard, a support

organization whose motto is As we rise, so does the stan-

dard. But his association with Seton Hall, which dated back

to his enrollment in a University-sponsored program at

Newarks West Side High School, looked perilous.

Meantime, Nick Scalera was in the process of establishing

a scholarship designed to provide assistance to Seton Hall

students in need. In 2011, Ford became one of the Nicholas R.

Scalera 63 Scholarships first recipients, awarded to academically

proficient students from Essex County who demonstrate sub-

stantial financial and social need. It is a strictly needs-based

scholarship, which is critical to the University, and is designed

to bridge the gap between aid, loans and other scholarships.

For Laquan Ford, it was the monetary equivalent of the

cavalry arriving. That first year, two of the scholarship recipi-

ents were officially homeless, but Fords needs were truly

overwhelming, Scalera says. The scholarship kept Ford in school.

Over time, Scaleras donation has worked to transform

both their lives. In fact, Scalera had an ability to understand

the young man in a way few adults could. He once headed up

New Jerseys child protection and welfare agency, an organi-

zation Ford had encountered multiple times growing up.

Today, Ford sees Nick as a father figure who has not

only helped shape his future, but also gave him his first real

understanding of family. Scalera sees a version of himself,

growing up as he did in an Italian working-class family that

struggled to put him (the first member of his family to enter

and graduate from college) through Seton Hall.

After the two met at the scholarships induction luncheon,

they saw a basketball game and later met for coffee. I wound

up becoming his mentor, Scalera says. It was not by design. But

when I saw how hard he was struggling, I just had to respond.

At one of their get-togethers, Scalera handed Ford his

business card. I said, Feel free to call me. Dont just sit there

waiting for the sky to fall. It was an outreach, he explains,

to someone hurt many times by adults who promised things

and never delivered.

Respect and trust deepened as their relationship developed

over time. Last Christmas, since Ford had no family to come

home to from Chicago, he was welcomed by Scaleras extend-

ed family. It seemed like their entire focus was on me, Ford

says of the holiday. It was unbelievable. It was the first time

I ever had a gift under a Christmas tree.

Whats more, getting to know Scalera has inspired Ford

to find his lifes purpose. Today, his goal is to become either

a high-school superintendent, college dean or the